Archive for the ‘NFL’ Category

Thursday, January 22nd, 2015

Minnesota RB David Cobb had a great day of practice on Thursday.

NEPD Editor: Mike Loyko

The final day of padded Senior Bowl practice wrapped up today and it was another physical, competitive affair. As is the case with every Senior Bowl practice there was a lot of information to gather and lots of interesting observations. Through three practices scouts have been able to get an in depth look at many prospects and some have really made the most of their opportunity. Here’s what happend at the North Practice and what stood out to me.

Tuesday, December 23rd, 2014

As the regular season ends and bowl preparations are in full swing, it would seem to me certain player are being over looked heading into the offseason. The All-America and All-Conference title is a prestigious honor. It represents a season of hard work and capitalizing on opportunities. But every year, certain guys fall through the cracks. Let’s see who makes the 2014-15 Draft Prospect All-Underrated team.

QB: Sean Mannion, Oregon State: A pro-style passer with an easy natural throwing motion, Mannion hasn’t had the senior campaign he would have liked (15 TDs, 8 Int). However if you can look past his horrendous offensive line, one would see a NFL arm with great touch. He needs to improve his anticipation of throws as well as his overall accuracy. However given the right situation, I think Mannion could develop into a player who could potentially start down the road. (more…)

Thursday, November 27th, 2014

Turkey. Stuffing. Delayed Flights. Oh yeah, it’s that time of year again. Rivalry Week is upon us in the college football universe. For some teams, their rivalry game is the only game that matters all season. Others need to beat their hated rival to stay in the play off race. Regardless, winning is the most important statistic of the weekend. (more…)

Tuesday, November 18th, 2014

Nearly 40 years have passed since Bill Belichick received his economics degree from Wesleyan University. But what he learned in Middletown is still being put to use two hours northeast in Foxborough.

That was even evidenced in Indianapolis on Sunday, when the New England Patriots’ defense set foot on the Lucas Oil Stadium field to face quarterback Andrew Luck and the Colts’ high-volume passing attack.

Belichick, along with defensive coordinator Matt Patricia, cornerbacks coach Josh Boyer and safeties coach Brian Flores identified the production awaiting them. The ground game, as well as Luck’s league-leading 393 pass attempts could remain. So could the 64 catches for 799 yards combined by tight end Coby Fleener and wideout Reggie Wayne.

The 56 catches for a top-five 937 yards from T.Y. Hilton could not. (more…)

Friday, November 14th, 2014

Will Mississippi State get the monkey off their back and beat Alabama? Or will Amari Cooper & Co. once again own their SEC West rivals?

Some weekends just have a playoff feel to them, and week 12 is certainly one of them. Teams are playing a game of musical chairs for one of the playoff spots, while prospects are running out of time to build their resumes for the 2015 NFL draft. Week 12 has two mammoth SEC match ups, in which all four teams playing all have a realistic shot at the playoffs. Will you be camped in front of a television Saturday? I know I will. Here are the biggest matchups of the weekend broken down. (more…)

Sunday, November 9th, 2014

Offensive MVP

Tom Brady: I could sit here and write out the stats, but you already know them by heart after all the Brady-Manning week hoopla. I could even break down his throwing mechanics and how he still has pin point accuracy at age 37. I could also detail how he’s getting this done with less than others… but I’m not going to do that. All I really need to say is, mobility. Tom Brady hasn’t become Randall Cunningham, but he’s utilized his legs more than ever this season. Early offensive line struggles this year may have actually benefited him because he looks more aggressive after the snap with his movement. Being forced to create space and time due to poor line play has compelled Brady to step out of his comfort zone, literally. In some ways his recent play has reminded me of Ben Roethlisberger. Who in the past, has had to compensate for a poor line by stepping out of the pocket to give receivers a chance to get open down field. Fortunately, Brady’s line has come together and we don’t have to worry about him taking unnecessary punishment like Big Ben has in recent seasons. But this added element to his game should only bode well for the Patriots’ offense come January.